The Best Cat Scratchers & Scratching Posts of 2024

Too often, we buy our cats trinkets and overpriced toys that ultimately remain overlooked. Most of the time, your furry friend is frankly not interested in whatever present you’ve thoughtfully selected for them.

Yet when it comes to saving our furniture, it’s important to select a scratching post that will keep your kitty from destroying that priceless heirloom sofa. A good post can promote healthy scratching behavior, relieve anxiety, and encourage the development of muscle tone.

On this list, we have compiled some of the finest options this year. Our army of test-felines have selected these products according to durability, materials, quality, and ability to maintain cat interest over time.

Our Top List

#	Preview	Product	Our Rating	Link	Price / Value
1		PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge	5/5	Check Today's Price	10/10
2		SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Post	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
3		AmazonBasics Cat Activity Post	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
4		Kitty City XL Wide Post	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
5		PetFusion Three-Sided Cat Post	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
6		Trixie Pet Products Parla Scratching Post	4/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
7		Trixie Pet Scratching Triangle	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
8		Furhaven Pet Cat Tree	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
9		PetPals Cat Tree and Tower	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10
10		AmazonBasic Cat Scratching Post & Hammock	4.5/5	Check Today's Price	9.5/10

Constructed with a unique two-tiered design, the PetFusion jumbo scratcher significantly outlasts the competition. Chock full of organic catnip, this scratcher is endlessly fun for your cat to use all day long.

We like the sturdy, recycled cardboard material that has saved their furniture from cats’ scratching behavior. The completely reversible scratcher can hold up to four large cats at once while providing generous lounging and play space.

The spacious scratching area can even be flipped for the most economical use of the product, meaning that it can last a long time without over-shredding. It’s hard to ignore the subtle curvature and ergonomic design that makes this product much more appealing to cats than most standard posts.

If you’re not satisfied, just reach out to the manufacturer for the six month no questions asked warranty. That said, you’re sure to find good use from this regular Hauspanther Top Pick winner.

Takeaways

With a large thirty-two inch height, the pioneer scratcher allows cats to fully stretch and tone their muscles without wobbling an inch. The fibrous, durable post is cross-woven to provide healthy resistance against a cat’s claws.

Proven superior to carpeted posts that snag sensitive nail beds, this SmartCat post is both easy to assemble and provides an excellent way for anxious cats to relieve boredom.

Takeaways

This three platform cat tree is sure to make a splash in a household full of cats. With seven distinct scratching posts, the AmazonBasics tree spares no expense. Cats love the round top platforms, curved rims, and endlessly comfy cat bed made from soft plush.

Moreover, the stable square base makes the post ideal to place in unused corners. Simple to construct and very durable, this post provides an excellent alternative to more expensive cat trees.

Takeaways

We love the visually pleasing and neutrally-toned Kitty City post. With a stable width and extra tall height, this post is perfect for adult cats. At the top of the post, a jingle ball toy encourages continuous use for energetic cats.

Woven from sisal carper, the shred-free material promotes healthy nail growth without snagging sensitive nail beds. Certified as completely pet safe, buyers can rest assured that their cat will love the stable Kitty City post.

Takeaways

As a scratching post, bed, and play area all in one, the PetFusion post promotes both exercise and rest for any time of day. Made with non-toxic corn starch glue, this totally pet safe product keeps your kitty happy and safe. For the best use, owners can rotate the triangular post six times to maximize the scratch post’s use.

Chosen as the #1 Editor’s Choice Award from Cat Fancy magazine, this post has dominated the market for several years running. The naturally attractive material and shape will ensure that your cat stays busy all day long.

Takeaways

Though this small Trixie post may appear unassuming, its sleek and unobtrusive design makes it appropriate for any size home. With a sturdy yet plush base, the platinum gray Trixie post features triple-woven fibers for the most comfortable continuous scratching.

Additionally, the Trixie’s subtle gray tones naturally integrate into most everyone’s home decor. This healthy outlet for scratching behavior is suitable for cats of any age and activity level.

Takeaways

Ideal for small spaces, the Trixie post triangle can simply fold shut for easy storage and space saving. Featuring a condo and lying hammock wrapped in soft plush, the Trixie is both durable for scratching and perfect for lounging.

All components are easily removable for even more compact storage, while the removable cushion inserts can be machine washed at any time. Whether it’s for a dorm room or studio apartment, this Trixie product is comfortable and inviting for cats of any age.

Takeaways

Available in over seven unique colors, the FurHaven provides the ultimate entertainment center for your cats. Through several stimulating activities, kittens can try their hand at the IQ busy box or enjoy the hanging puff ball toy.

This post helps relieve every cat’s need to scratch while ensuring the most economical use for years to come. Satisfied customers appreciate the proven healthy sisal material used in the construction of the scratching post.

Takeaways

The PetPals Cat Tree is constructed from premium quality, felt and paper rope materials that are great for scratch and play. Featuring an additional teasing toy and tons of lounging surfaces, this tree tower is sure to keep kittens entertained for hours on end.

Buyers love the felt, paper rope, and completely safe recycled materials used in this tree’s production. Ultimately, the PetPals post is durable and minimizes frustrating shreds caused by continuous scratching.

Takeaways

Constructed with an elevated cat hammock and dual scratching posts, this AmazonBasics post provides a comfortable lounging space and healthy nail whetting area. The natural jute fiber helps keeps nails healthy while reducing the frustrating shreds that litter your carpet.

With a durable and long lasting construction, this stable post fulfills both a cat’s need to climb and scratch. Save yourself from potential property damage by opting for this cost effective post.

Takeaways

Buying Guide

Here’s what you should know about materials, surfaces, and factors play into your cat’s overall interest in a new post. Note that many cat trees and especially trees for large cats already contain scratching posts.

Size

For the most part, both adults and kittens prefer tall posts. The post should have enough height to accommodate your cat when they’re fully stretched out; this helps to stretch your cat’s back and shoulder muscles effectively.

Moreover, tall posts can help maintain your cat’s health and flexibility. Tall posts are one of the simplest ways to get your cat to exercise. You should aim for a post that is at least 31 inches tall, either vertically or horizontally.

Material

Traditionally, scratcher posts have been comprised of cardboard, fabric, felt, or even carpet. Woven sisal fabric may be the safest and most shred-free materials for your cat to scratch.

Unlike standard rope, sisal material is rough, holds up well to intense scratching, and doesn’t catch on cats’ claws. Also referred to as sisal hemp, this material provides a major source of plant-based fiber that’s safe for cats to ingest.

When scratched, sisal fabric shreds in pleasing way and creates interesting sounds. Compared to other materials, sisal is shown to engage cats for a more continuous period of time.

With that said, avoid carpet materials that mimic the texture of fabrics in your own home. Otherwise, your cat won’t understand why it’s okay to scratch some carpeting in the home but not other materials.

Cat Appeal

Often, it can seem an impossible task to select a scratching post that will actually keep your cat interested. After all, we don’t want our cats to use end tables or window seats to scratch their claws. Maybe you’ve tried in the past and your cat just walks right on by. In order to capture interest, the post should perform well on a variety of factors: height, diversity of materials, and variety of surfaces.

Sturdiness

Aside from liking taller posts, cats prefer very sturdy scratching surfaces. If the post wobbles even a bit, your cat won’t use it. In the wild, cats typically scratch trees or completely unmovable objects. Look for posts that advertise heavy, stable bases, in addition to not being too top heavy.

Surfaces

Cats enjoy stretching up and down both vertically and horizontally. That’s why interesting surfaces like carpeted stair corners and the edges of sofas are often the first targets. When looking for a post, find one that features a variety of different directions. Angle scratchers provide an even greater variety of angles that will keep your cat busy. Along those lines, it’s also great to provide multipurpose scratching surfaces for your kitty. Cats enjoy marking their territory, lounging, and playing all in one place. Keep the post in one of your cat’s favorite places to hang out or scratch. The post will soon become a great alternative to destroying furniture or carpeting.

FAQ

How can I stop my cat from scratching?

You should know that scratching is a very normal behavior done by both domesticated cats and cats in the wild. It’s a biologically based activity that cats perform to remove the outer husk of the claw, revealing a healthier surface underneath.

Additionally, scratching provides an excellent way for your cat to exercise their forelimbs and spine everyday. It’s not healthy for you to punish your cat for an ingrained behavior like scratching.

Instead, the best option is to give your indoors cat an alternative surface to scratch. A post does that easily, and for safety you should have a sofa cover, too.

How can I tell if my cat is scratching too much?

If your cat is scratching incredibly frequently, it may be a sign that they feel insecure or uncomfortable. Scratching is meant for a cat to mark their territory, which helps to ease anxiety.

Try to reduce sources of loud noise or changes in feeding routine if you notice your cat engaging in anxious behavior. Additionally, provide scratching posts in the areas they frequently destroy.